Budget Direct Debit: when do I give meter readings

Ideally, we get your meter reading twice a year when you pay by Budget Direct Debit. This lets us keep your payments in line with your energy use.

Here's how it works:

1. We ask you for a meter reading – or we get it from your smart meter – just before your bill is due
2. We review your Direct Debit to see if your payments are on track to cover your energy use for the year
3. We send you a bill – it tells you if your monthly payments need to go up, down or stay the same to keep you on track

What happens if I don't give a reading?

If we don't get a meter reading ahead of your Direct Debit review, we'll have to use an estimated reading. This means you'll get an estimated bill.
 

What happens if I give an extra reading?

The only time you might want to give us an extra reading is if your tariff prices are about to change. This extra reading will tell us how much energy you've used at the old price.

You don't have to do this if you have a smart meter that gives your meter readings for you.

Please log in to our help centre

You'll find answers for your type of account in our help centre for account numbers that start with 'A'. 

You just need to log in or sign up to MyAccount first – this is where you'll find your help centre.

Go to help centre

Ideally, we get your meter reading twice a year when you pay by Budget Direct Debit. This lets us keep your payments in line with your energy use.

Here's how it works:

1. We ask you for a meter reading – or we get it from your smart meter – just before your bill is due
2. We review your Direct Debit to see if your payments are on track to cover your energy use for the year
3. We send you a bill – it tells you if your monthly payments need to go up, down or stay the same to keep you on track

What happens if I don't give a reading?

If we don't get a meter reading ahead of your Direct Debit review, we'll have to use an estimated reading. This means you'll get an estimated bill.
 

What happens if I give an extra reading?

The only time you might want to give us an extra reading is if your tariff prices are about to change. This extra reading will tell us how much energy you've used at the old price.

You don't have to do this if you have a smart meter that gives your meter readings for you.